INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey (AFPN) -- Several months ago, while returning from a stateside TDY, I was waiting in the domestic terminal of the Istanbul Airport when I saw something unusual. Among the busy crowd was a young Airman who obviously was new to Turkey and its environment.
How did I know this from 50 yards? If the clean shave and short haircut didn’t give it away, the well-pressed service uniform with a matching Air Force embroidered garment bag did. The fledgling rank on his shoulder meant he’d probably just graduated tech school and was a first-term Airman assigned overseas.
Although he stood tall and wore his uniform proudly it was apparent he had nothing more inconspicuous to change into. So, because of the shortcomings of his sponsor, he’d have to wait for a newcomer’s briefings to get the force protection briefings that could have prevented this unnecessary risk.
Some would argue he had no “wingman” that day. I contest he needed something more. In the fighter business, a wingman is an inexperienced pilot who struggles with the complex tasks and tactics of combat aviation. The brand new wingman can usually keep other aircraft in sight, provide visual mutual support and avoid hitting the ground while maneuvering in three dimensions.
Mistakes are expected and corrected through extra instruction, study and sometimes public embarrassment in front of his peers. It’s the flight lead who’s responsible for sound judgment, exemplary discipline, timely instruction and overall safe conduct of the flight and its multimillion-dollar assets.
The wingman program is based on the tenet that any “wingman” can provide mutual support and theoretically mitigate a bad situation. While this may be true, we sometimes overlook the opportunities to call on our experiences and maturity to lead when necessary.
Leadership in this case is going the extra mile, calling on the courage to intervene, and tell a complete stranger their behavior is unacceptable and may get themselves hurt or in trouble.
Although they may have a wingman meeting the intent, their lack of experience in the local area may buy them an entry into the police blotter or worse. It’s you, the resident expert, or for a better term the flight lead, who needs to watch out for them. Our Airman at the Istanbul airport needed someone like this.
We can’t afford a preventable accident due to inaction when we see a bad situation developing. Be a good flight lead, get engaged, and take care of your fellow Airmen.